Heisei 20 May 10

Cycling teams from several countries gathered in Shingu for the 10th annual Tour 'd Kumano cycling competition. There were three courses for a total distance of 351 kilometers: In Mie Prefecture along the Kumano Kodo in Kumano City, in Shingu along the Kumano River and Kogumotori-goe areas, and towards Taiji along the coast. Cyclers gathered from several countries, making it an international competition. This was reported in the local news paper, Kiiminpo on May 10th.
Over the last two or three years, it has become more common to see cyclers, marathon runners, hikers and other sports-minded people along the Kumano Kodo routes. I wonder if the fresh, clean air and sacred lands of the ancient people don't give each person some special energy.
Many times when I have been hiking, I have wished for more energy and have always been answered by the gods. I usually "write" a Chinese character for energy on my palm as I am walking and then "pop it in my mouth" as if to rejuvenate myself . It usually works well.

I trace "energy"

with my finger on my palm
spiritual food

Heisei 17, Feb. 7

We went to Shingu and visited several shrines in the area. I picked up some seeds of a nagi tree at Asuka Shrine. Then we walked along the coast towards Nachi. It was a glorious day for walking, and I was full of energy. The Kumano Kodo is pretty interesting.

Fallen nuts bursting
open to begin new sprouts
lucky nagi trees

Heisei 19, Apr. 22

I walked from Esumi Station to Wabuka Station on the Ohechi route.
The views of the sea were beautiful. We set a fast pace, but it was no problem for me. We were pleasantly tired out by the fresh air and moderate exercise, so we went to bed at 10 pm.

Today's haiku is









Angry sea's whitecaps
racing along toward
shore
grannys gossiping

Heisei 19, Oct. 30

Glorious weather. Great puffy clouds against a crystal clear blue sky.
We drove around the back roads to prepare for guiding tomorrow. I took a lot of pictures.

The fall colors have started up high in the mountains over 600 meters I suppose. The crimson and scarlet colors are magnificent.

Today's haiku is

Cool mists dancing on
sunlight motes beneath cedars
ushering in fall

Heisei 19 Jan. 8

I couldn't walk with the others today as my balance still is not quite right since I cracked two bones in my upper arm. Even using two walking sticks, I still feel a little precarious on steep slopes.
I and my friend followed the progress of our walking group from afar on the back roads by car. We could see them across on the mountain at Hyakken-gura where there is a fine view of the Hatenashi mountain range. There were snow flurries on the way to our start point yesterday, but today there was good weather, and it wasn't too cold.

Today's haiku is

seen from afar, he's
surrounded by loving friends
on the mountain peak